Hi Elana,
Does anyone out there know if a Dremel tool can be used for
carving stone? Does it need a water source?<<
Sure you can use a Dremel for carving stone. Keeping the stone &
cutting tip wet will prevent putting alot of dust in the air &
your lungs.
You might want to get a flex shaft attachment for the Dremel.
Holding the Dremel itself for long periods of time could get
tiring on the hand, wrist arm. Be sure you have the right size
collets, usually flex shaft bits & burs have 3/32 & 1/8 in
shanks.
Depending on the size of the stone being carved, one way to keep
it wet (also helps to keep you clean & dry too) is to put about
1/2 in of water in a pan with 3in or higher sides. Then do your
carving with the stone & cutting tip inside the pan. Dip the
stone & tip in the water when it appears dry or you can’t see the
area you’re carving clearly.
There are a number of diamond impregnated carving tools
available for under $25 a set of 20 or more.
If you don’t want to hold both the stone and the Dremel, there
is a holder available that will hold the Dremel in any position
you want. See page 63 of the December Rock & Gem magazine.
Dave